Elgindon Posted August 2, 2017 Author Share Posted August 2, 2017 Cul Beag,Assynt 769m Any hill in this or the Torridon area gives great rewards if the weather is good.Only problem is some of them have a fairly long walk in.to avoid this most folk opt for Stac pollaidh,which is at the roadside.Down side to Stac,is that just before the summit,there is a tricky,exposed section which stops a lot of people carrying on to the summit,thereby blocking views out West Cul beag is a fine alternative,situated just before Stac pollaidh on the road round to Achiltibuie,and as good a viewpoint.The tourist route up is from the roadside,following a path(shown on OS map) along the base of the western side of Cul Beag,before a seperate path turns off and starts a very steep ascent to the summit. I avoided this by parking at the East end of Loch Lurgainn,and following a more gentle ascent to the summit http://IMG_1702 by [/url], on Flickr Bit rough at the start,but dry.Kept to the Loch Lurgainn side all the way up IMG_1701 by , on Flickr IMG_1705 by , on Flickr Turned rightish angles to get to the summit IMG_1710 by , on Flickr Timed it to watch a fine sunset go down beyond Stac Pollaidh and the Hebrides beyond.Took 1.5 hours up,and an hour down just before dark.Great hill Stac Pollaidh about to erupt on the way down IMG_1800 by , on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted August 13, 2017 Author Share Posted August 13, 2017 Speaking of Stac Pollaidh,took a group up of inexperienced walkers up yesterday.Managed up onto the ridge,but that was as far as they went,as most of the tourists do,but its very worth a wander to the far end,if not the summit.Some great views and rock formations along the way Theres a dedicated car park at the foot of the hill,on the road round to Achiltiebuie from Ullapool.The path leads straight up the hill from the car park,giving you the choice of a West or East route further up.We chose the east route. On the way up,summit to the far left IMG_1988 by [/url], on Flickr Path winds round to the opp side,steeply,before getting onto the ridge IMG_1951 by , on Flickr Once onto the ridge there are various routes along to the summit.Its a case of trying one,come back down if its awkward and try another til you get as far as you are able. IMG_1955 by , on Flickr Unusual rock formations en route IMG_1972 (2) by , on Flickr The trickiest bit is just as you approach the summit,explained well in the later part of this report here http://www.scottishhills.com/html/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=8883 I took the above bypass option which looks a lot worse in that report than it was. A great wee hill at only 600m with outstanding views and interest.An hour to the ridge(with non regular walkers),under an hour to the summit and back,and an hour down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc_don Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 Excellent pics mate! Will try to start to contribute in a few months time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted August 21, 2017 Author Share Posted August 21, 2017 A fine time of year to be on the hills with the light waft of heather in bloom.Did these 2 on Saturday before the game,and made it a sunrise walk since I was up early anyway.Quite a few of the East Aberdeenshire hills have unobstructed views East and West,giving the option of a sunrise or sunset trip to enhance sometimes dour hills. But these 2,Lord Arthurs hill,and Coilliochbar hill were fine hills,with the bonus of being hame and showered in time for an afternoon nap at Pittodrie Lord Arhturs hill - 518m Headed for Tullynessie,past Bridge of Alford,and took a turn off West,to Dubston farm and parked at the end of the track. Walked past the buildings below,to the 3 or 4 deciduous trees just beyond,where the track splits in 2 IMG_2006 by [/url], on Flickr Route was via Fouchie shank - Lord Arthurs hill - Manabattock hill - return via deciduous trees to Dubston. Split in the grassy track at the deciduous trees below.Ahead for Fouchie shank,left,where you return via Manabattock hill IMG_2073 by , on Flickr Nice glen further on,good firm track/path underfoot IMG_2017 by , on Flickr Track continues,less firm, on beyond Lord Arthurs summit to Manabattock IMG_2050 by , on Flickr From Manabattock its a 15 min pathless descent through a field and woods,back to the deciduous trees and Dubston Nice hill,1.5 hrs up/same down Coilliochbar hill - 532m Drove from there onto the road between Bridge of Alford and Lumsden,and took the turn off for Ardhuncart,parking just ahead at the steadings at Brux,where the old bridge crosses the Don. IMG_2081 by , on Flickr Crossed over the bridge and came to a split in the track,and took option to the right,through the buildings and along the edge of the Don.It appeared the track was going past where the summit area was,but eventually(canna mind,a good 1/2 an hour) came to a split where going left took you uphill Fairly steep at times IMG_2105 (2) by , on Flickr Before easing off a bit further up,good going underfoot IMG_2097 by , on Flickr IMG_2099 by , on Flickr This one had a bit more going for it.More variety en route,nice glimpses if the Don on return IMG_2113 by , on Flickr 1.25 hrs up,1 hr down.Was taking a short cut,but hit a hasty retreat when I saw this IMG_2107 by , on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted September 3, 2017 Author Share Posted September 3, 2017 Working along the North Deeside rd yesterday,so thought I'd have a pre work,dawn wander up Hill of Fare.Have never thought previously of walking up this one,looks a bit dour,and so it proved as I made my way up. Took the B9125 just after at Garlogie,and turned right at the McIntosh of Echt depot onto the B977 road to Echt.Parked at the second layby on the lhs where there is an agricultural gate leading into the woods.From there it was just a case of following the track to the first summit/mast IMG_2153 by [/url], on Flickr Half an hour,I was on the summit.Pleasant surprise to see a film of mist below,and the sun about to rise directly above Aberdeen IMG_2195 by , on Flickr IMG_2175 by , on Flickr IMG_2182 by , on Flickr IMG_2216 by , on Flickr The walk itself wont stick in the memory,but worth a sunrise wander for all the time,and with sunrise getting later.Should point out that the true summit is a fair bit further on to the West... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted November 1, 2017 Author Share Posted November 1, 2017 Latest offering - Beinn Eighe - Spidean Coire Nan Clach 993m Did this one at the w/e.Beinn Eighe is quite a long horseshoe of a ridge which contains 2 Munroes.It can all be done in a day,but involves going in and out the same way with lots of ascent and descent.Lot of folk start at one end,with another car parked at the other end,or,do it in 2 stages,of which I did the first stage on sunday. Parked at the parking space beside the little bridge at Cromasaig,just outside Kinlochewe.A short walk(aim for the higher ground) through the trees takes you onto a track up the side of the Allt a Chuirn,and from there its just a case of following the track,and aim for the highest pointy top on the right of the below photo IMG_2625 by [/url], on Flickr There are bits of scree to negotiate on the way up,but its not too hard to pick out grassy or rocky sections to walk on At the pointy summit,looking at the route ahead IMG_2595 by , on Flickr The Munro is the second last summit in the photo.Terrain here is pretty straight forward apart from the second summit,where theres a bit of scrambling,though there are often bypass routes if you look hard enough for them. Great hill though,took about 6.5 hours there and back. A bit of snow on the tops IMG_2523 by , on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted November 20, 2017 Author Share Posted November 20, 2017 Buachaille Etive Beag 958m(brother of the more famous Buachaille Etive Mhor) A fairly easy Munro in prime mountain country(Glencoe).Parked at a parking space on the main Glencoe road(A82) just beyond the start of the Lairig Eilde which goes through a pass to Glen Etive. Set off from Portlethen at 3am to catch the sunrise,and hung about on the other summit to catch the sunset. Caught neither IMG_2887 by [/url], on Flickr IMG_2886 by , on Flickr Good paths all the way up to the ridge IMG_2882 by , on Flickr IMG_2881 by , on Flickr Onto the ridge at the first cairn looking towards the summit.Snavvy kine' IMG_2837 by , on Flickr The summit from the above photo looks a bit intimidating,but on closer inspection,there is often more width than expected IMG_2856 by , on Flickr Great views from the summit down loch Etive and the surrounding hills.Took about 3hrs up and down at a good pace Sgurr Domnhuill(Beinn a Beithir) 1001m Had time to add this one on after a lunch break.If youve ever headed down from Fort William to Ballachulish and noticed a fine looking mountain in front of you as you turn round the road into Ballachulish.This is that mountain.Parked at the Chaolais car park beside the Ballachulish golf course on the Oban road. There are markers at the start to guide you to the right hill IMG_2913 by , on Flickr IMG_2918 by , on Flickr Path heads uphill quite sharply and becomes less distinct further up,and if you lose it,you only have to aim for the lowest point(bealach) to keep on the right track. Scree slope on the way to the bealach,avoidable by ascending the grassy strips either side IMG_2926 by , on Flickr ....before turning left towards the summit IMG_2928 by , on Flickr A bit stony as you approach the summit,but great views down loch Linnhe and Glencoe once you reach the summit(assuming its clear.....which it wasnt very) IMG_2959 by , on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc_don Posted December 2, 2017 Share Posted December 2, 2017 We did a blog on our travels so i've lifted a few of the photos we took along the way. If you ever get the opportunity to do the Inka Trek, do it. unreal scenery and well worth the early wake ups! Pisac, old inkan settlement with a large number of terraces still in tact. Ollantaytambo Another inkan terraced city. This was made famous as one of the rebelling generals came from here and eventually married one of the Inkan daughters. This town is where we spent the night before embarking on the trek early the next morning. I'll go through a few of the photos during the actual trek now: Walking up dead womans pass (approx 1.2km incline - mainly up steps). some farmers had set fire to burn some of the shrub away but as expected, it got out control so the local rangers had to try and put it out with rubber mats: Cloud forest area Local Llamas making their way back home after a day on the mountains. Final inkan site before our last camp site and Machu Picchu the next morning view from sun gate which you arrive at about 6:30 am. Annoyingly, the gates all open at 5:30am so that allows the non trekkers to get there by bus and so it was pretty busy by the time we got there. There's a lot to be said for their architecture. Nothing has fallen down due to earthquakes etc...whereas the colonial stuff has. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted December 4, 2017 Author Share Posted December 4, 2017 Awesome min Manc,amazing place,great pics Added to the bucket list Had an excellent day up Buachaille Etive Mhor the other day.. IMG_3153 by [/url], on Flickr IMG_3140 (2) by , on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc_don Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 Spent a few days up at Lake Taupo and National Park around New Year. Awesome area, which I've been to before, but the other side of the lake. Some epic walks which we will be doing over the next few months. Weather unfortunately stopped us doing the Tongariro Crossing, so did a couple of walks in and around the area: Pukake Bay: Taranaki Falls - National Park: Taranaki Falls walk: Area reminds me a lot of the Cairngorms, minus the volcano when you can actually see it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted January 3, 2018 Author Share Posted January 3, 2018 That last pic does look like the 'Gorms.Reminds me of looking over the plateau from Monadh mor to the back of Cairn Toul/Devils point etc etc Had planned to blitz a lot of hills over the festive period but the amount of snow at times put a stop to that Did a fine walk with the brother in law above Dunkeld over Xmas.A circuit of local lochs(Dowally,Polney,Mill dam) etc.Around a 10 mile trip all in IMG_3639 (2) by [/url], on Flickr Frozen Loch Polney IMG_3645 by , on Flickr IMG_3643 (2) by , on Flickr Also did Ben More and Stob Binnein in deep snow.What a plowter though Parked at Ben more farm(seen further ahead),near Crianlarich,on the A85.The sign in the foreground,which is to the east, is the starter for the track along to Ben more IMG_3513 by , on Flickr Easy to follow track IMG_3436 by , on Flickr The track comes to an abrupt halt at the tree below(top slighlty right of centre) and heads steeply uphill IMG_3448 (2) by , on Flickr Eases off further up IMG_3463 by , on Flickr Stob Binnein is ascended by dropping down to the south from Ben Mores summit,to the dip between the 2 hills,and up again,to the Stobs summit .Then come back down to the dip between the hills,and aim for the track again on the floor of the glen. IMG_3476 by , on Flickr For scale,it took half an hour to get from the lowest point in the photo to the summit in the photo IMG_3507 by , on Flickr Tough hills,made tougher by the snow,but great views.6.5 hrs all in,for a normally 4 or 5 hrs trip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted February 27, 2018 Author Share Posted February 27, 2018 Its been a good year for those of us that like winter walking.Though theres been so much snow,kinda reaching the had enough now stage Wouldnt recommend winter walking without proper eqpt or training,but the below 2 Munros are fairly wide ridged enough for room for error.The only downside being an incursion to Tayside to climb the hills A pair of micro spikes to bite into the snow crust would be a minimum requirement for any potential adventurers. Meall Corranaich 1069m, Meall a Choire Leith 926m Parked at the top Lawers car park along the North shore of Loch Tay.and headed straight up the ridge ahead IMG_3843 by [/url], on Flickr Couldnt find the start of the path because of the snow,but met up with it further along the ridge.Summit of Meall Chorraniach beyond IMG_3852 by , on Flickr A look back at the wide ridge and Loch Tay.Easy walking so far IMG_3863 by , on Flickr Steeper approaching summit IMG_3855 by , on Flickr At the summit.We looked at the route ahead,and wondered where the next Munro was.Worked out it was the round lump just to the left of where the 2 walkers are IMG_3874 by , on Flickr Race on for the scoop of ice cream IMG_3873 (2) by , on Flickr Approaching summit of Meall a Choire Leith.A path leads off just above the dip ,to the road back to the car park to avoid retracing your steps IMG_3896 by , on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KennyFuckinPowers Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Cracking pictures Hendo, hope you're well sir Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted March 1, 2018 Author Share Posted March 1, 2018 Cheers min,....you're lookin well ........well, if I knew who you are? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc_don Posted March 4, 2018 Share Posted March 4, 2018 Done a couple of walks of late, nothing too long due to other plans, but there are plenty to do in and around Wellington. First one was out from Makara, which had a couple of old gun positions from the second world war. Cracking hour long walk from the beach up, we decide to jog down which seemed easier due to the loose gravel. Second one was closer to our house, a quick walk up Mt Kaukau which gives you a fantastic vista over the city. WAs just a shame that the weather clouded over a wee bit when we got to the top. It's part of the wider Northern walkway which covers a fair chunk of the cities surrounding areas, including towards the back of our house. Will need to do the full one soon before winter comes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocket_scientist Posted March 4, 2018 Share Posted March 4, 2018 When we were in Melbourne for 3 years, we should've taken the opportunity to visit NZ but with babies appearing every 5 minutes, flight holidays weren't our priority. Looks great Manc. Have you fully emigrated there or is it just for a few years i.e. nothing planned long term or set in concrete? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted March 4, 2018 Author Share Posted March 4, 2018 Sister stays across the water in Nelson,South island.Last time I was there we went around Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds.Beautiful bays,deserted beaches as was the Golden Bay area,though busier up there. Two of the best hikes in the world are in South Island.Hope to do this one in a couple of years http://heaphytrack.com/ And this,allegedly the best hike in the world https://www.newzealand.com/uk/feature/milford-track/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc_don Posted March 4, 2018 Share Posted March 4, 2018 Cheers Elgin, we’re still to do the South Island properly so will add them to the list. Next one is the tongariro crossing which we’ve attempted twice but the weather was too bad so had to postpone. Think tom widdows has done that one. Nothing planned yet, Rocket. Getting married first and then see what happens. Would like the world to chill out a wee bit and things to settle down in the UK before considering coming back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocket_scientist Posted March 4, 2018 Share Posted March 4, 2018 Nothing planned yet, Rocket. Getting married first and then see what happens. Would like the world to chill out a wee bit and things to settle down in the UK before considering coming back. Good attitude dude. Don't hold yer breath about the UK settling doon any time soon but the choice of woman is bigger than the choice of location so test-driving thoroughly is heartily recommended. And trust yer instincts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc_don Posted March 30, 2018 Share Posted March 30, 2018 You’ll have to wait till I get back to welly on Monday for photos, but managed the tongariro crossing today. Wow. Awesome hike and a lot harder than I thought it would be. The downhill section especially despite being downhill, still seemed to go up a lot! Tom, probably changed a lot since you did it. We started at 9am but was rammed with folk pretty much all the way up and down. They’ve done a lot of work to create some proper paths. Still, stunning views. Managed to see Taranaki too Righty, finally got around to doing this: Mount Taranaki in the distance Mount Ngauruhoe - aka mount doom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc_don Posted April 4, 2018 Share Posted April 4, 2018 Along with the old Coach Road track which was pretty chilled out, mainly 19km of down hill with a few small climbs, I did the 42nd Traverse which was easily the most intense mountain bike ride i've done (i'm not a mountain biker). 42kms through the mountain side, which normally would be fine, but it had rained the night before and the track is shared with 4x4s. They completely tore it up which made it incredibly muddy (to the point you had to try to walk without stacking it). Needless to say it was unsurprising a 4x4 got completely stuck and didn't look like it was moving any time soon, despite the efforts of 5 random guys trying to dig it out. Anyway, awesome ride, through incredible scenery and a few river crossings Got up to 35km/h on the way day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted April 4, 2018 Author Share Posted April 4, 2018 Top photos look a bit parched post summer,but some similarities to Scotland in a couple of pics.Bottom pics are more what i remember the Nelson/Motueka/Marlborough area, South Island looked like A couple of guys dropped out of hillwalking this last w/e,so my Sisters loon offered to come along to A Ghlas Bheinn instead. Started off quite promising.... IMG_4055 by [/url], on Flickr Got very near the top but the snow started coming in,and he didnt look too comfortable.Hung around for half an hour to see if it would clear,but decided to head back because it would get dark soon. Forlorn looking nephew IMG_4071 by , on Flickr 5 mins later the skies cleared and we realised we'd only been about 100m from the summit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted April 11, 2018 Author Share Posted April 11, 2018 We went up to Kintail last w/e to stay in a bothy(Camban) overnight and bag a few hills the next day.Got up onto the first ridge and realised the snow was a bit more avalanche-ish than anticipated and decided not to risk it. Thought I'd post some details up,as its well worth a trip to the bothy alone,with some of Scotlands finest mountains flanking the route,a triple waterfall(Allt Ghranda) on the way,and ending up in a remote glen with access to some great hills,if you can be arsed. Park at the Kintail outdoor centre,Morvich,near the caravan park,and follow the track up the rhs of the River Chroe..Its just a case of following this track all the way past the Allt Ghranda,and on to Camban. Total distance around 10 miles to Camban from Morvich.Total ascent appx 350m.Took us appx 3hrs with full gear and a shared 10kg bag of coal. Camban bothy IMG_4108 (2) by [/url], on Flickr Inside IMG_4097 by , on Flickr No electric,no water(stream nearby),no toilet.2 rooms with 4 bunks,and fire in each room(no fuel) Top tips - Get there before 4.We got there at 3 and thought we had the place to ourselves.By sunset it was a full house,(holiday w/e). Go in summer,no fuel to carry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted April 30, 2018 Author Share Posted April 30, 2018 31091991_1637419483032570_333026545746575360_n by [/url], on Flickr Following Jezzas lavish praise,a good time to post up the latest wanderings. Beinn Alligin(a ridge containing 2 munros, Sgurr Mohr 3234ft,Tom na Gruagaich 3024ft,and the horns of Alligin) What a cracking day we had here at the W/E. Havnt seen views like we did on these hills.We did the whole circuit which includes the horns,but its possible to do the 2 munros without doing the tricky horn section as explained below Parked at the National trust car park about 3 km West of the village of Torridon,and followed the path up on the rhs of the river(Abhainn Coire Mhic Nobuill),which is next to the car park IMG_4170 by , on Flickr Most people do it Clockwise,but we did it anti-clockwise.Followed the path up crossing the 2 bridges you come to en route,and headed sharply up the ridge for about 20 mins before it eased off for a bit The first horn to the right,with the first munro,Sgurr Mor to the left IMG_4189 by , on Flickr The first horn was the trickiest,requiring a wee bit of scrambling,ie using all fours,and a couple of bum slides on descent. Looking back at the first horn descent.Looks worse that it was in reality,paths weave in and round the slabby sections IMG_4212 by , on Flickr On the 3rd horn,looking over to the 2 munros IMG_4227 by , on Flickr Best not to be done in snow,but the path zig zags up the inside of the rhs edge IMG_4247 by , on Flickr Once youve done that part,the trickiest bits are out the way.Sgurr Mor offers 360o of outstanding views The route ahead from Sgurr Mor over to Tom na Gruagaich IMG_4317 by , on Flickr Ptarmigan en route IMG_4345 (2) by , on Flickr Just after the summit of Tom na Gruagaich,theres a cairn(left-mid photo) to mark the descent back to the car park.We managed to miss it and find an awkward clamber over rocks and scree instead IMG_4365 by , on Flickr Mistakes aside this is a superb mountain,voted in the top 10 of Scottish Munros.The tricky horns section can be avoided without missing much of the views,by ascending Tom na Gruagaich first,(follow lhs of river) and onto Sgurr Mor,and return the same way Sgurr mor and the 3 horns on the way down IMG_4393 (2) by , on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elgindon Posted May 20, 2018 Author Share Posted May 20, 2018 Forecast looking good for most places the next couple of weeks,and nicely timed as a few of us go S/C up near Achilitbuie this next week for an annual bit of fishing,walking,and sunsets with a beer hopefully. Last weekend,we made a late dash to get to Blaven(Bla Bheinn) on Skye for a summit sunset.Blaven is one of the 4 easier Cuillin Munros,along with Sgurr nan Eag,Sgurr nan Banachdich,and Bruach na Frithe.Easier,though a head for heights is handy. Parked at the Torrin car park on the road to Elgol from Broadford,about 10 miles after Broadford. IMG_4422 by [/url], on Flickr To get there you have to come through the village of Torrin(seen in below photo),and round the edge of the Loch before you get there.Car park is among the trees in the foreground IMG_4428 by , on Flickr To get going you have to walk out of the car park on to the road,turn left until you come to a gate that leads onto the path up the rhs of the stream IMG_4424 by , on Flickr Blaven ahead on the left.Path crosses the stream further up and is just about visible going up to the left(below) IMG_4429 by , on Flickr IMG_4435 by , on Flickr Look out for a small lochan on your lhs(the only one around) as you go on.There is a path going straight ahead,and one going uphill.Go uphill.Gets steeper here IMG_4440 by , on Flickr Path can be seen zig zagging right of centre(click to enlarge) IMG_4455 (2) by , on Flickr gravelly but not as bad as it looks IMG_4459 (2) by , on Flickr Windows start to open up IMG_4473 (2) by , on Flickr A bit of a short clamber for the last section before you get to the top IMG_4446 by , on Flickr This was the second time Ive been up Blaven,the other in winter.The views both times were outstanding all round.Another hill that was voted in the top 10 of all Munros.Well worth the effort.Took us 2.5 hours up,and 1.5 down,but we were nipping on to use the last of the light.Think around 6 hrs is the norm for non regular walkers Without giving too much views away,got our sunset at the end IMG_4542 (3) by , on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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